1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what you do, and what brought you to Alliance?
John: I am Alliance’s Director of IT & Operations. I started with Alliance in 2001 as a case manager. It was my dream job to be able to help people. I had the opportunity to get into the technology field and Sharen, Alliance’s CEO, encouraged me to get my certification. I am fascinated by technology and love building and tinkering with electronics. I am proud that these 20 years later I now have my dream job with an amazing organization. I am a happy guy with three beautiful children and a wonderful wife.
Conrad: I am a native New Yorker. I am responsible for Alliance’s Midtown Central facilities. I supervise the security, reception, cleaning, and maintenance staff. My relationship with Alliance goes back to 2005. At that time, I was the Head Coach of Team New York Aquatics, which was the largest LBGT+ adult competitive swim team on the planet. Alliance was the recipient of the team’s annual fundraising in support of the HIV advocacy event, the One Hour Swim. This established a great friendship between the team and the work of the Alliance. The team has given to Alliance, through the One Hour Swim, many times over the years, including the past year of the pandemic. In 2013, I had the opportunity to interview for a job at the Alliance. I remain a substitute coach for TNYA and worked to deepen the relationship over the years between the work of the Alliance and friends of the agency and the athletes on the team.
Steven: My name is Steven Jones, I am 50 years old, and I work as the Security/Operations Assistant Manager. I came to the Alliance looking for help after moving from California. I had no job, no medical coverage, and no one to turn to.
2. Tell me about your department and what has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
John: I feel blessed to have such a dedicated team. Even though the IT profession can attract technical communicators, our organization is people-based, and it makes me proud to see my colleagues develop their skills and come out of their shells. Both our operations and IT staff have been steadfast throughout the pandemic. It caught us all by surprise and turned everything upside down. We had to transition over 300 employees to remote work and outfit all six of our offices with new safety measures and round-the-clock cleaning and sanitation. My team was always available throughout the pandemic – never taking a break. They are all champions in my mind!
Conrad: My department continued to show up throughout the pandemic even though much of the time I was just by myself. Someone needed to check on the facility, make sure the lights were turned off, that plants were watered, and check the mail and messages. I rode my bicycle to work every day throughout the pandemic from March 2020 to December 2020 when people began to safely return to Midtown Central on World AIDS Day. I have seen the transition back, from limited visitors to almost normal operations now, up close.
Steven: I helped oversee the day-to-day operations that kept Midtown Central running. When COVID-19 hit, our clients were afraid to return, and normal interactions were impossible due to social distancing and PPE. I help make sure that everyone who enters our building is protected and feels safe to return. I am proud to be our first line of defense against COVID-19.
3. Is there an achievement or contribution to your department you are particularly proud of?
John: I am so proud of my team and being able to be part of their professional growth. Everyone who has come through my department has taken opportunities to develop new skills and advance their careers. I love to inspire everyone I work with and it inspires me to be part of their journeys. I try to keep my team motivated to give their best each and every day and keep reaching for the next goal.
Conrad: We had a major building maintenance issue on top of dealing with the trauma of the pandemic. For months I had to supervise a crew and maintain calm. I am proud I kept the necessary chaos to a minimum, so the staff could return in a rational and controlled manner, with little to worry about.
Steven: I am proud that I am able to contribute and keep the agency running during this pandemic which allows people to be safe.
4. If you could do anything in addition to what you are doing now, what would it be?
John: I would be sailing on a yacht, of course! But in all seriousness, I am extremely happy and love my work. Not only do I get to work with new technology, I also get to be involved with construction projects and operations workflows – all of my interests! I love to make things work and to tinker. In my free time, I love to build and program drones. It is so rewarding to watch a drone fly!
Conrad: I wish I could travel more, helping other organizations with their traumatic facility issues. This is because I love to travel generally. Even Upstate New York.
Steven: When I go for lunch I always see people in need and my reaction is to let them know where I work and that there is help. Throughout the week I bring at least two or three of people in need to the agency. I would love to do more to be an ambassador for the agency bringing news for what help is out there.